The Cast Photo by Liz Ford

We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical incorporating the songs of Queen into an original story. Set 300 years in the future in a world called iPlanet, the musical follows a group of rebels (the Bohemians) as they strive to restore the free exchange of thought and culture in a society controlled by mega-corporations. The show played London's West End for over a decade but has never been seen on Broadway.

Certainly, one of the primary features of the show is the collection of songs by the iconic band Queen, many of which will be familiar to theatregoers. The score includes the well-known "We Are the Champions," "Somebody to Love," "Under Pressure," "Another One Bites The Dust," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love, "Don't Stop Me Now," and the title song. The post-bows rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a highlight as well, so audience members are encouraged not to leave too early. The songs make for an excellent overall score, though some feel too shoehorned in, such as "Fat Bottomed Girls."

The book by Ben Elton (The Beautiful Game, Love Never Dies) has characters named directly from Queen songs, such as Galileo, Scaramouche, and Killer Queen. The futuristic, Orwellian post-apocalyptic tale chronicles two young renegades' attempt to save rock 'n' roll in a society where it's been outlawed. The story is slight and has several big plot holes. However, the dialogue includes many very funny lines, often through quoting song titles from pop and rock songs over the past 70 years in comedic context. The overall book serves as a sufficient structure to tell a new story and feature the Queen songs, and to its benefit, it never takes itself too seriously. The show also speaks to the disconnected relationships of modern times and especially our attachments to our screens.

Director/choreographer Leslie Goddard wisely sets an appropriately broad tone where the morals of the story and the comedy are well balanced. The transitions are smooth, and the show has a vibe similar to that of The Rocky Horror Show. Many songs feature fun and apt dances for the ten-member ensemble. The production is advertised as "lightly staged," but absent big set pieces, it is fully acted and staged. Musical director Steve Goers leads a talented onstage five-piece band, though at the performance I attended, the instruments were often too loud and obscured the ability for the audience to hear and understand many of the lyrics. This imbalance will hopefully be adjusted for future performances.

The young cast of local performers includes a number of students, staff, and alumni from Northern Kentucky University. The five leading performers all possess and show off powerful and expressive voices, handling the Queen songs with great skill. Isaiah Burton is an eager Galileo, and Mary Mills embodies Scaramouche with spunk and a strong emotional arc. This pair sing the lion's share of the material with full commitment to their roles and striking stage presence. Bethany Xan Kerr is spirited and vocally impressive as the fierce Killer Queen, the primary villain of the story. Tyler Kuhlman (Brit) and Heather Hale (Oz) supply comic relief and cool vibes along with strong singing. Billy Chace provides further hilarity as Buddy, and Rory Sheridan is fun as Killer Queen's right-hand man, Kash. The hard-working ensemble is praiseworthy for their versatility and high-energy.

Christopher Boone's utilitarian scenic design consists of a unit set with levels, a bar, old rock posters, and a screen for projections. The varied and showy lighting is by Morgan Abercrombie. Dean W. Waltz's handsome costumes take cues from the script and include many fun pop-culture references.

We Will Rock You is far from a theatrical or artistic masterpiece. Instead, it's a humorous and frolicking good time, especially for fans of the music of Queen. The talented cast and creatives help make this production a memorable one. Let's hope the sound balance issues are resolved moving forward.

We Will Rock You runs through August 29, 2026, at Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-977-8838 or visit www.memorialhallotr.com.